Cosmetic case

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic case is provided that includes a frame and a plurality of vertically tiered compartments for the storage of cosmetics and other personal items. The compartments of the plurality are independent and can each pivot laterally to an open position about a pivot shaft associated with the frame. The case is provided with a mirror which can occupy either a storage position or a viewing position. The mirror storage position can be located in the frame or in a compartment, preferably an uppermost compartment that is hinged on a horizontal axis. Optionally, the case can include a second pivot shaft enabling desired compartments each to pivot in an opposed lateral direction to an open position so that more than one compartment can be opened without interfering with access. Preferably the compartments are provided with a releasable retaining means in the closed position, and preferably the frame is provided with a carrying member.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on a previously filed U.S. provisionalapplication Ser. No. 60/672,830 filed Apr. 19, 2005, which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cosmetic case and, in particular, toa portable cosmetic case having a plurality of readily accessiblestorage compartments and a retractable mirror.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handbags of various shapes and sizes have been used for many years. Onedisadvantage of many handbags is the inability to organize the materialsstored in the bag in a manner that renders those materials readilyaccessible. Portable cases for cosmetics have been developed with anumber of vertically tiered compartments which can be used to storevarious items for easy access. For example, the case could storecosmetic materials, keys, and even cell phones in an organized andreadily accessible manner.

However, such cases do not contain a mirror which can be stored when notin use and which can be retrieved for use in applying cosmetics. Thereis a need for a portable case with a plurality of vertically tieredcompartments which incorporates such a mirror.

The present invention provides not only such a mirror-incorporating casebut also other new features which greatly enhance the utility of thecase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cosmetic case with a plurality ofindependently openable compartments for the storage of cosmetics andother materials which also incorporates a mirror which is storable whennot in use yet can be retrieved for purposes of viewing as whencosmetics are being applied.

The case incorporates a frame in which the compartment plurality islocated. The frame includes a lower deck portion, an upper deck portion,and an intervening back portion interconnected therebetween. The upperdeck portion and the lower deck portion are preferably each generallyflattened and extend in spaced, parallel relationship relative to eachother. The back portion preferably extends vertically between the upperdeck portion and the lower deck portion and preferably has a perimeterthat defines a parallelogram whose upper and lower edge regions are inspaced, parallel relationship relative to each other.

Preferably the upper deck and the lower deck each have a similarly sizedand configured perimeter. This perimeter defines a forward region and arear region, and the respective opposite ends of each region meet at alocation that defines an acute angle. Preferably, the perimeter definestwo acute angles, preferably the rear region extends straight, andpreferably the forward region extends outwardly from the rear region.The perimeter thus preferably defines a geometric shape which ispreferably regular or bilaterally symmetrical, such as a triangle, atrapezoid, a hemicircle, or the like. Although a case can be formed tohave various shapes, it is preferred to have a case shape withperpendicular sides and shape when viewed in perspective.

The compartments are similarly constituted with each having a preferablyflattened bottom panel and a continuously extending raised oroutstanding side edge about the perimeter, thereby defining an upwardlyopening compartment cavity, though the compartments can, if desired,have various side edge heights and cavity volumes. The compartmentplurality is in a vertically tiered arrangement, where each compartmentis in a closed position, yet each compartment can be independentlyopened in a lateral direction in which each compartment pivots orrotates about a pivot shaft member.

To provide compartment pivotability, a pivot shaft member preferablyextends between the upper deck portion and the lower deck portion andadjacent to the back portion and to one acute angle. Each compartmentincludes connection means for pivotably associating it with an adjacentportion of the pivot shaft member.

In a case, the mirror can be stored in either a portion of the frame orin a portion of a compartment and can be viewed by movement of eitherthe mirror or an associated compartment, as provided. In the framestored location, the mirror, when drawn, can be positioned vertically orangularly for viewing and supported by the case. In the compartmentstored location, the mirror can be viewed by opening an uppermostcompartment or, if provided optionally, the lid of such compartment.

Each case preferably includes releasable means for retaining eachcompartment in its closed position.

Also, each case preferably includes means for holding, suspending andtransporting the case.

Optionally a case may include a second pivot shaft member that similarlyextends relative to the first pivot shaft member but is located adjacentto the second acute angle. This second pivot shaft member, when dulyassociated with a compartment's connection means, enables a desired oneor more of the compartments to pivot is a lateral direction that isopposite to that of compartments associated through their respectiveconnection means with the first pivot shaft member. One feature andadvantage of this arrangement is that more than one compartment can beindependently opened for use without impeding use of another opencompartment.

Optionally, an uppermost compartment, or a lid portion thereof, can beassociated with hinge means so that this compartment or its lid can beopened independently of lower compartments.

Other objects, aims, purposes, features, benefits, advantages,embodiments and the like will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the accompanying disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which comprise a portion of this disclosure:

FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective front view of a first embodimentof the cosmetic case of the present invention wherein the case issupported and suspended by a chain or strap;

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view similar to FIG. 1 but showing dashedlines for portions of certain components and showing a compartment ofthe cosmetic case in an opened position and the mirror in an extendedposition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of the cosmetic case of FIG. 1 showingdashed lines for portions of certain components and showing the mirrorin a retracted, stored position;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the cosmetic case of FIG. 1 showing dashedlines for portions of certain components FIG. 5 is a front elevationalview of the cosmetic case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 4 but showing a compartment inan open position with dashed lines showing position of certaincomponents when the compartment is closed;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the cosmetic case of FIG. 1 showingdashed lines for portions of certain components;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken radially andperpendicularly through the back wall and adjacent lateral portions ofthe cosmetic case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but showing the mirror in theextended position shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a perspective rear view of an alternative embodiment of thecosmetic case of the present invention showing an alternativeconstruction for storing the mirror in a retracted, stored position andshowing dashed lines for portions of certain components;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken radially andperpendicularly along the line 11-11 through the back wall and adjacentlateral portions of the embodiment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary front perspective view of the upper portion ofan alternative embodiment of the cosmetic case of the present inventionwherein the uppermost compartment is hingably connected to an adjacentupper portion of the base frame and showing dashed and phantom lines forportions of certain components;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the upper portion ofthe embodiment of FIG. 12 showing the hinged uppermost compartment in aclosed position and showing dashed lines for portions of certaincomponents;

FIG. 14 a fragmentary front perspective view of the upper portion ofanother alternative embodiment of the cosmetic case of the presentinvention wherein a pair of adjacent compartments open in opposeddirections relative to each other;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 14 showing dashed linesfor portions of one component; and

FIG. 16 is a horizontal sectional view taken below the top wall of theembodiment of FIG. 14 showing the pair of adjacent compartments in theirrespective closed positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-9 shows an embodiment 10 of a cosmetic case of the presentinvention. The cosmetic case 10 comprises a base frame 12 that includesa lower portion 14, an upper portion 16, and a mid- (or medial or back)portion 18. The back portion 18 extends between the respective opposedrear edges 20 and 22 of the lower portion 14 and the upper portion 16.The lower portion 14 and the upper portion 16 each preferably flat andpreferably have similar perimeters. Preferably they extend in verticallyspaced, parallel relationship relative to each other although diagonalbut parallel arrangements can be used if desired. The back portion 18 ispreferably flat and preferably extends perpendicularly between the lowerportion 14 and the upper portion 16 although the back portion can extenddiagonally between the portions 14 and 16 of desired. Preferably theback portion 18 has a perimeter that defines a parallelogram with upperand lower edge portions that are in spaced, parallel relationshiprelative to each other. More preferably, the parallelogram isrectangular.

Preferably a case of the invention has a right angle relationshipbetween the components, but, as those skilled in the art willappreciate, such a relationship is not required. Other configurationscan be employed as when a particular artistic effect or appearance isdesired, or when a case is to conform to a particular location, or thelike. A back portion 18 may have a perimeter that is configured, forexample, as a trapezoid, and the upper portion 16 and the lower portion14 may be laterally offset one relative to the other, etc. Similarly,and correspondingly, the plurality of compartments 26, as described andexplained below, that is situated in the frame 12, may, if desired, havea configuration that conforms to the general geometric configuration ofthe frame 12, or otherwise if desired.

As is characteristic of the frame 12 of all embodiments of thisinvention, the frame 12 and its portions 14, 16 and 18 can be variouslyfabricated of, for example, molded plastic (presently preferred), moldedfilled plastic, compositions of resin and molded wood or paper waste,covered cardboard or masonite, painted or padded sheet metal, and thelike. Individually fabricated components of subassemblies may ifnecessary or desirable be fastened together with conventional fasteningmeans (including suitable adhesives, weldments, joining screws, rivets,nut and bold assemblies, etc.). Fabrication materials of relatively highstructural integrity and light weight are preferred.

The upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14 preferably have similarsizes and configurations and generally matching respective perimeters.This perimeter can be considered to define a forward region and a rearregion. The respective opposite ends of each such region meet whereby anopposite end of the rear region meets an opposite end of the forwardregion and an acute angle is defined therebetween. Thus, the perimeterdefines two opposed acute angles preferably located on respectiveopposing sides thereof, and preferably these acute angles are aboutequal in size. Preferably, regarding the perimeter, the rear regionextends straight and the forward region extends outwardly relative tothe rear region to define a desired geometric configuration. Forexample, the perimeter of the upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14can define a triangle, a parallelogram, a hemi-circle (presentlypreferred) wherein the diameter corresponds to the rear region, orotherwise as desired.

The case 10 incorporates a pivot shaft member 24 that extends preferablyperpendicularly between the lower portion 14 and the upper portion 16adjacent to the back portion 18 and also adjacent to one of the acuteangles. Thus, the pivot shaft member 24 can extend so as to be adjacentone of the two acute angles located at each rear corner 27 of eachcompartment 26. The pivot shaft member 24 can be comprised of heavysteel wire, extruded plastic or the like.

The case 10 includes a plurality (preferably in the range from about 4to 8) of independent compartments 26 for storing and transportingcosmetic and like materials. An inner surface of a compartment caninclude a magnetic portion or a clip (not shown) for holding a cosmeticbrush or the like. Each compartment 26 has a perimeter that ispreferably similar to that of the upper portion 16 and the lower portion14 so that all such perimeters are similar and preferably about thesame. The compartment 26 plurality is preferably arranged in avertically layered and aligned sequence and the plurality is preferablypositioned (located) between the lower portion 14 and the upper portion16 and also adjacent to the back portion 18.

Each compartment 26 comprises preferably flat bottom panel 28 thatpreferably has the indicated perimeter that is common in size andconfiguration to the lower portion 14 and the upper portion 16. Acontinuously extending, raised side edge 30 that preferably isvertically upstanding (when viewed externally) is provided about theperimeter of the bottom panel 28. In each compartment 26, the height ofthe raised side edge 30 can be the same as in other compartments 26, orthe edge 30 can vary in height from one compartment 26 to the next. Anupwardly opening cavity 31 is thus defined by the panel 28 and the sideedge 30 in each compartment 26. Compartments 26 of the same compartmentplurality can have same or differing volumes can be provided as may bedesired. In accord with the perimeter contour of the upper portion 16and the lower portion 14, with which the perimeter of panel 28 of eachcompartment 26 is preferably similar, the spaced, opposed rear cornerportions 27 of each compartment 26 each define an acute angle. Thus, acompartment 26 has two such acute angles which are preferably similar insize and configuration.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a compartment plurality ispreferably configured to fit into a frame 12, as indicated. However, ifdesired, the individual compartments 26, though vertically tiered andadjacent to one another, may be inclined relative to a (hypothetical)vertical, and the side edges 30 may, if desired, be similarly inclined.Each compartment 26 can be formed of a material such as above indicatedfor the frame 12. In addition, the exterior surface of each compartmentand the frame 12 can be decorated, for example, with crystals, sequins,faux fur and the like.

Each compartment 26 adjacent a corner portion 27 thereof is adapted toaccommodate a laterally adjacent portion of the pivot shaft means 24when the compartment 26 plurality is associated with the base 12 and isin its vertically layered and aligned tiered sequence with eachcompartment 26 cavity being upwardly oriented. Each compartment 26 hasconnection means for pivotably independently associating eachcompartment 26 with an adjacent portion of the pivot shaft means 24.Various connection means such as are known to art can be employed, asthose skilled in the art will appreciate.

For simplicity, a present preference for the connection means is todefine a hole or opening 32 in the bottom panel 28 in the area of acorner portion 27 thereof which opening 32 is adjacent to, or situatedto accommodate therethrough the pivot shaft means 24. The opening 32preferably can extend also through a preferably locally thickened areain raised side edge 30 which can provide an elongated opening 32 that isdesirable for purposes of stabilizing the pivot movement of acompartment 26 relative to a pivot shaft means 24. Each of the openings32 in the compartments 26 is such that. When the pivot shaft means 24 isextended therethrough, each compartment 26 is pivotable relative to thepivot shaft means 24. During assembly of the case 10, the pivot shaftmeans 24 can be, if desired, conveniently slidably extendedprogressively through the openings 32 defined in each of the members 26of the compartment plurality. In the assembly, respective opposite endsof the pivot shaft means 24 are each conveniently engaged terminallywith the upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14 by conventionalmeans, including, for example, blind rivets, adhesively bonded clamps,self-threading nuts, or the like. Thus, each compartment 26 can swingindependently laterally outwardly to one side away from the mid-portion18 and the closed plurality of compartments 26 to an open position foraccess to a compartment 26. If desired, washers or spacer sleeves, notdetailed, can be positioned on the pivot shaft means between adjacentcompartments 26.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, each compartment 26 is seen to include on aside edge 30 an exteriorly located extension (or knob or fingerhold) 24to facilitate opening and moving of each compartment 26. To hold orretain the plurality of compartments 26 each in a closed position forpurposes of movement or transport of the case 10 various retainer meanscan be employed. For one preferred example applicable to the compartmentplurality, a strap 36 or the like can be employed, if desired. Forinstance, the strap 36 can be secured at its upper end to the upperportion 16 by a rivet, screw or the like, and can have a snap buckle 38or the like secured at its lower end that is adapted to engage acorrespondingly mateable tab 40 that is itself located along the lowerportion 14, thereby to maintain the compartment 26 plurality in a closedconfiguration.

The compartments 26 of the compartment plurality when pivoted to theirrespective closed positions can also be individually disassociativelyassociated in their respective closed positions with the frame 12. Forexample, a snap-fit or friction-fit engagement can be provided betweenadjacent compartments or preferably between each compartment 26 and anadjacent portion of the frame 12. A conventional spring biased detentbutton and its housing can be mounted in or on the back portion 18conveniently at or near a rear corner 27 of each compartment 26 and amating receiving socket can be located on a side edge 30 or panel 28each compartment 26 in a position where the socket reversably engagesthe detent button when the associated compartment 26 is adjacent thedetent button in a compartment 26 closed configuration.

To facilitate movement, carrying or transport of case 10, a handle,chain, or the like can be associated therewith. For example, each of theopposite ends of a chain or strap 42 can be secured to a differentopposed upper side of the mid-portion 18 or of the upper portion 16. Thechain or strap 42 can either be permanently or releasably secured to thecase 10, as may be desired. Preferably, as shown in the embodimentsillustrated, the extensions 34 are preferably offset relative to thestrap 36 to avoid interference.

A case 10 is preferably provided with an internally storable mirror thatcan remain in storage in the case until use thereof is desired. Variousarrangements can be employed. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 1-4,the back 18 can define on a rear face thereof a recessed receiving slot44 for receiving a mirror 46 from a slot end or side. The mirror 46 canbe slidably positioned within the slot 44 so as to achieve a first orstorage position for mirror 46. The mirror 46 can be slidably extendedfrom the slot 44 to a second or viewable (or use) position, which can bevertical or angled. The slot 44 is preferably configured so that themirror 46 can be slidably extended upwardly from storage position to theuse position, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 9. Alternatively, the mirrorand the a lot 44 can be arranged to that the mirror can be movedslidably laterally outwardly to either side of the back portion 18 (notshown) before entering a use position. The slot 44 can include guidemembers or flanges 48 for retaining the mirror 46 as shown, for example,in FIGS. 3 and 7, if desired.

Alternatively, the slot 44 can be enclosed within the back portion 18 asshown in FIGS. 10 and 11, for example. In either case, the mirror 46 caninclude an extension (or fingerhold) 34 to facilitate grasping themirror 46. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the mirror 46, extended from theslot 44, 46 can be angled back and received into a channel 50 defined inthe back-portion 18 (see FIG. 9) for ease in viewing. Thus, the case 10can hold the mirror 46 in a vertical slot (not shown) defined in theback portion 18. As a result, the case 10 has a second position defininga mirror holding position defined by an auxiliary, preferably angularlyextending second slot defined in said frame adjacent to said first slot,this second slot being adapted for receiving a lower portion of themirror 46 when mirror 45 is removed from a first or storage position,whereby said mirror is supported at an inclined angle for viewing.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show an alternative embodiment of the inventive case inwhich a rearward portion of an uppermost compartment 52 that preferablyis similar to a compartment 26 of the compartment plurality is pivotablyconnected above and over a rearward portion of the upper portion 16 bymeans of a horizontally oriented hinge 54, such as a hinge of theso-called piano type. Alternatively, the rearward portion of thecompartment 52 can be hinged to an upper end region of the back portion18. The outside surface of the bottom panel 28 can be provided with amirror 56 which when the compartment 52 is inclined can be viewed. Thepanel 28 can be provided with a flat arm which can be temporarilyerected so that th lower end thereof abuts against the upper portion 16when the compartment 52 is inclined to prop the compartment 52 in anopen position.

In a further alternative, the compartment 52 can be provided with a lidmember having a rear edge portion that is pivotably connected to arearward portion of the compartment 52 by means of a horizontallyoriented hinge 54. The inside surface of the lid member can beassociated with a mirror 56, as shown in FIG. 12. When the lid member ispivotably elevated, the mirror 56 is visible and usable. The lid membercan be provided with a flat arm which can be temporarily erected so thatthe lower end thereof abuts against the inside of the panel 28 when thelid member of compartment 52 is inclined thereby to prop the lid memberup in an open position.

When the mirror 56 is associated with the compartment 52 or the lidthereof, the compartments 26 of the underlying or lower compartmentplurality can be maintained in their respective closed configurations,if desired, by a retaining means, such as the strap 36 and the snapbuckle 38/tab 40 assembly as shown in FIGS. 1-9, or otherwise asdesired.

FIGS. 14-16 show an additional embodiment 10′ of a case 10′ of theinvention. Components similar to case 10 are similarly numbered but withthe addition of prime marks for identification purposes. The case 10′includes a frame 12′ having a lower portion 14′, an upper portion 16′and a back portion 18′ extending therebetween. In a preferred embodiment10′, the back-portion 18′ extends between opposed rear edges 20′ and 22′of the lower portion 14′ and the upper portion 16′, respectively,similarly to embodiment 10. In embodiment 10′, a pair of pivot shaftmembers 24 a and 24 b are provided that extend in parallel, opposedrelationship relative to the back portion 18′ and adjacent to each rearcorner 21 of each compartment 26′. A plurality of tiered compartments26′ for storing cosmetic and like materials is provided and positionedin a stacked relationship between the lower portion 14′ and the upperportion 16′. The compartments 26′ are constructed conveniently andpreferably similarly to the compartments 26 of FIGS. 1-9 and include abottom panel 28′ defining a compartment perimeter and a continuouslyextending raised edge 30′ about the perimeter.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, the height of the raised edge 30′ canbe the same for each compartment 26′ or can vary from one compartment26′ to another. For example, the height of the raised edge 30′ and thusthe depth and volume of the cavity in a compartment 26′ can beincreased, if desired, to accommodate a cell phone or similar item. Inthis example, fewer compartments could be used or the back portion 18′could be lengthened, if desired.

Each bottom panel 28′ of a compartment 26′ defines an opening 32′preferably in one side of the rear portion thereof for receiving eitherpivot shaft member 24 a or 24 b. In a preferred embodiment, compartments26′ each include openings 32′ in opposed sides of their respectivebottom panels 28′ relative to the location of the opening 32′ in anadjacent compartment 26′. In place of an opening 32′, a compartment 26′can be provided with a notch like indentation which permits a selectedcompartment 26′ to by-pass a particular pivot shaft member 24 a or 24 b.The compartments 26′ can be assembled with respective ones of eithershaft member 24 a or 24 b. As a result, compartments 26′ of thecompartment plurality can be arranged so that each pivotably swingsabout one of the respective pivot members 24 a and 24 b with selectedones of each compartment 26′ pivoting in one lateral direction andothers of the compartments pivoting in the opposed lateral direction asillustrated for example in FIGS. 14 and 15. Thus, this arrangementprovides for convenient access to two or more adjacent compartments 26′at the same time without one compartment blocking access to anothercompartment.

As indicated, each compartment 26′ preferably includes (in the endopposed to the end having the opening 32′) a cutaway segment 58 whichallows a compartment 26′ to be closed without engaging the oppositepivot member 24 a or 24 b, as the case may be (see, for example, FIGS.14 and 15).

A handle, strap 36′ or the like can be provided. For example, strap 36′can be in association with a snap buckle 38′/tab 40′ assembly, asdescribed above, or otherwise as may be desired, to maintain thecompartments 26′ each in a closed position. As an alternative, afriction-fit engagement can be provided to secure the compartments 26′each in a closed position whereby the height of the raised side edge 30′in the area of the cutaway segment 58 of each compartment 26′ isslightly increased so that the edges of the cutaway segment 58 of onecompartment 26′ press against the bottom panel 28′ or raised edge 30′ ofan adjacent compartment.

The embodiment of FIGS. 14-16 can include any of the mirrorconstructions shown in FIGS. 1-13 as described above.

It will be readily apparent from the foregoing description and theaccompanying drawings that various modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of thisinvention.

1. A cosmetic case comprising: a frame including a lower portion, anupper portion and a back portion extending therebetween; at least onepivot member extending between said lower portion and said upperportion; a plurality of compartments located between said lower portionand said upper portion, each said compartment having a bottom paneldefining a perimeter and a continuously extending raised side edge aboutsaid perimeter, each said compartment further defining an opening forreceiving said at least one pivot member whereby each said compartmentis independently pivotable ab out said pivot member; and a mirrorpositionable in one of two positions, a first position being anon-viewable storage position, and a second position being acase-supported viewable position.
 2. The case of claim 1 wherein saidfirst position comprises a first slot defined in said frame, said firstslot including an opening through which said mirror can be slidablyinserted and removed.
 3. The case of claim 2 wherein said first slot inreversably associated with the rear side of said back portion.
 4. Thecase of claim 2 wherein said second position is defined by an auxiliary,angularly extending second slot defined in said frame adjacent to saidfirst slot, said second slot for receiving a lower portion of saidmirror when said mirror is removed from said first position, wherebysaid mirror is supported at an inclined angle for viewing.
 5. The caseof claim 1 wherein said mirror is positioned adjacent an uppermostcompartment, and uppermost compartment can be moved into either one ofsaid first and said second positions, said first position being achievedwhen said uppermost compartment is in a closed position, and said secondposition being achieved when said uppermost compartment is in an open,inclined position.
 6. The case of claim 5 wherein: said uppermostcompartment has a rear portion which is associated with an upper rearportion of said frame by hinge means so that said uppermost compartmentis upwardly pivotable to an inclined position relative to said framefrom a closed position; and said mirror is associated with the bottomface of said uppermost compartment; whereby said first position isachieved when said uppermost compartment is in said closed position andsaid second position is achieved when said uppermost compartment is insaid inclined position.
 7. The case of claim 1 wherein said uppermostcompartment includes a lid that is hingably connected to the rear ofsaid raised edge, said mirror is positioned on the inside of said lid,said first position is achieved when said lid is in a closed position,and said second position is achieved when said lid is pivoted upwardlyto an open position.
 8. The case of claim 1 wherein said mirror ispositioned inside one compartment and wherein said mirror is viewablewhen said one compartment is in an open position.
 9. The case of claim 8wherein said one compartment is the uppermost one of said plurality ofcompartments, said one compartment is fixed to said back portion andcovered by said upper portion, and said upper portion is hinged to saidback portion, whereby said mirror is viewable when said upper portion isopened.
 10. The case of claim 1 wherein said mirror is received in astorage location situated adjacent to the back side of said backportion, is slidably raisable from said storage location relative tosaid back portion, and, when so raised, a bottom portion of said mirroris supportable by said frame.
 11. The case of claim 1 wherein a slot isdefined in said frame for receiving said bottom portion of said mirrorwhereby said mirror is angularly positionable and supportable forviewing within said slot.
 12. The case of claim 10 wherein said mirrorwhen in said storage location is nestably received in a chamber definedin said back portion.
 13. A portable case for cosmetics and the likecomprising: a frame having a lower portion, an upper portion, and a backportion, said lower portion and said upper portion each extending inspaced, parallel relationship relative to each other outwardly from saidback portion, said back portion having a perimeter defining aparallelogram with opposed upper and lower edge regions that are inspaced parallel relationship relative to each other; said upper portionand said lower portion each having a similar perimeter, said perimeterdefining a forward region and a rear region, the respective oppositeends of each said region meeting whereby when an end of said rear regionmeets an end of said forward region, an acute angle is defined; a pivotshaft member extending between said lower portion and said upper portionadjacent to said back portion and also to said acute angle; a pluralityof compartments, each having a perimeter corresponding to that of saidsimilar perimeter, said compartment plurality being arranged in avertically tiered and aligned sequence and being located between saidupper portion and said lower portion and adjacent to said back portion;each said compartment comprising a bottom panel having said perimeterand a continuously extending, raised side edge about said perimeter anddefining an upwardly opening cavity therein; each said compartmenthaving connection means for pivotably associating that compartment withan adjacent portion of said pivot shaft member when said compartmentplurality is in said vertically tiered and aligned sequence and islocated between said upper portion and said lower portion; whereby eachsaid compartment with said cavity thereof oriented upwardly isindependently pivotable about said pivot shaft member between a closedposition located generally in said tiered and aligned sequence and anopen position located generally laterally of said tiered and alignedsequence; releasable means for retaining each said compartment in saidclosed position; means for suspending and transporting said frame inassociation with said plurality of compartments all being in theirrespective closed positions; and a mirror positionable successively ineach one of two positions, a first position being a non-viewablecase-associated storage position, and a second position being acase-supported viewable position.
 14. The case of claim 13 wherein saidfirst position comprises a first slot defined in said frame, said firstslot including an opening through which said mirror can be slidablyinserted and removed.
 15. The case of claim 14 wherein said first slotis associated with the rear side of said back member.
 16. The case ofclaim 14 wherein said second position is defined by an auxiliary,angularly extending second slot defined in said frame adjacent to saidfirst slot, said second slot for receiving a lower portion of saidmirror when said mirror is removed from said first position, wherebysaid mirror is supported at an inclined angle for viewing.
 17. The caseof claim 13 wherein said mirror is positioned inside of an uppermostcompartment, said first position is achieved when said uppermostcompartment is in a closed position, and said second position isachieved when said uppermost compartment is in an open position.
 18. Thecase of claim 17 wherein: said uppermost compartment has a rear portionwhich is associated with an upper rear portion of said frame by hingemeans so that said uppermost compartment is upwardly pivotable to aninclined position relative to said frame from a closed position; andsaid mirror is associated with the bottom face of said uppermostcompartment; whereby said first position is achieved when said uppermostcompartment is in said closed position and said second position isachieved when said uppermost compartment is in said inclined position.19. The case of claim 13 wherein said uppermost compartment includes alid that is hingably connected to the rear of said raised edge, saidmirror is positioned on the inside of said lid, said first position isachieved when said lis is in a closed position, and said second positionis achieved when said lid is pivoted upwardly to an open position. 20.The case of claim 13 wherein, in said perimeter, said forward regionextends arcuately and said rear region extends straight.
 21. The case ofclaim 20 wherein said forward region extends in a hemi-circular manner.22. The case of claim 13 wherein said parallelogram defines arectangular configuration and each of said compartment plurality in saidlayered and aligned sequence is perpendicularly oriented relative toother said compartment.
 23. The case of claim 13 wherein said releasablemeans comprises a flexible strap one end of which is mounted to one ofsaid upper and lower portions while the other end of which is detachablyassociated with the other one of said upper and lower portions.
 24. Thecase of claim 13 wherein said releasable means comprises detent meansthat releasably engages an aligned receiving pocket whereby eachpivotable compartment is independently retainable in a closed position.25. The case of claim 13 wherein each of said compartments has areceiving pocket that engages a different detent means engageabletherewith that is located adjacent a corner portion thereof.
 26. Thecase of claim 13 wherein, when each said compartment is in said closedposition, each said compartment releasably engages a retainer means. 27.The case of claim 13 wherein said means for suspending and transportingsaid frame comprises a strap-like means which has opposite end memberseach of which is fastenable to a different upper outside corner of saidframe.
 28. The case of claim 13 wherein said connection means comprisesa hole extending vertically through the associated said compartment andsaid pivot shaft means is receivable through said hole when said case isassembled, whereby each said compartment means is pivotable relative tosaid pivot shaft member.
 29. The case of claim 13 wherein each saidcompartment is separated from adjacent compartments by sleeve membersassociated with said pivot shaft member.